ENG-2020 — Page 279

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The Environment

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted under the convention, seeks to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of GMOs that may affect biodiversity adversely. Hong Kong implements the protocol through enforcing the Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance.

Countryside Conservation

The scope of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, launched by the EPD's Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) in 2019 to provide funding support to non-profit- making organisations for implementing conservation and revitalisation projects in remote countryside, was expanded in May to include, for instance, natural environment and habitats, non-graded built heritage, and cultural and historic assets. By year end, the fund had approved 10 projects with total funding of over $60 million.

To support eco-tourism, better serve visitors and help revitalise desolate villages, the CCO works with relevant bureaus and departments in developing appropriate licensing requirements and procedural guidelines designed especially for guesthouses and catering businesses in countryside areas, reflecting the special nature and restrictions of rural settings.

Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. January and February are cloudier with cold spells, while March and April are milder and humid with fog. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms. Tropical cyclones usually occur between June and October, bringing high winds, heavy rain and sometimes storm surges. November and December are generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather, and may on occasion be relatively cold at night and in the early morning.

The Year's Weather

It was the second warmest year in Hong Kong since records began in 1884, with an annual mean temperature of 24.4 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal. The mean temperature of 29.6 degrees from June to August was the highest on record, as was the yearly total of 47 days with daily maximum temperatures of 33 degrees or more and 50 days with minimum temperatures of 28 degrees or more. The total annual rainfall of 2,395mm remained near normal.

Five tropical cyclones affected the territory in 2020, with the highest tropical cyclone warning issued being the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No 9 during the passage of Typhoon Higos.

Climate Change

Carbon Neutrality

In formulating a long-term decarbonisation strategy in line with the goals of the Paris. Agreement, the government will take into account the Council for Sustainable Development's recommendations in its report submitted to the government in November that Hong Kong should progressively reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

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